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Ukrainian confidence shifts

Ukrainians favor NATO, EU despite war frustrations

More than 60% of Ukrainians support joining NATO, despite a growing sense the country is heading in the wrong direction, according to a new survey.
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NATO logo and Ukrainian flag displayed side by side on a blue background.
Foto: Janos Kummer/Getty Images
The essentials
  • 70% of Ukrainians support EU membership in a survey conducted from July 28 to August 2.
  • 55.6% of respondents believe Ukraine is moving in the wrong direction.
  • Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's trust rating rose to 65% after his dismissal.

The poll, which included 2,000 participants, also highlights a significant level of public frustration with the government. A large portion of respondents—55.6%—believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. The survey also found that 35.1% of Ukrainians believe the country's situation will deteriorate in the next year, as compared to 23.3% who expect an improvement.

The most significant concerns expressed by respondents were government corruption, damage to civilian and energy infrastructure due to ongoing attacks, and a decline in living standards. A majority of those surveyed—50.5%—perceive corruption in Ukraine as being at a very high level. These findings indicate a widespread perception of systemic problems within the country's governance and economic systems.

Among political figures, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov experienced notable changes in public perception. Fedorov's trust rating jumped from 35% to 65% after President Zelensky dismissed him, according to a separate Rating Group poll released on July 22. This surge in support for Fedorov has made him the most trusted political figure in the country, surpassing Zelensky in public confidence.

Fedorov and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former Commander-in-Chief and current Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, were identified as the two most trusted public officials in the survey. However, Zaluzhnyi recently sparked controversy when he claimed Ukraine would never become a NATO member. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry quickly responded, stating that his comments were taken out of context and primarily referred to the Joint Expeditionary Force, not NATO as a whole.

On August 3, Fedorov stated he is hopeful about returning to his former role as defense minister. His removal had led to widespread public protests and a significant rise in his popularity, with 62.5% of respondents expressing negative views about the decision to fire him.

These findings reflect a nation that remains largely united in its desire for Western integration, despite a sense of disillusionment with current leadership and a belief that the country is facing significant challenges in the near future.

Based on reporting by Kyiv Independent, compiled by the Tradingbird newsroom. Published 07 Aug 2026, 04:15.
Topics: Diplo · Politics · Unrest

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